European School of Helsinki shall provide its pupils with such prerequisites for learning that "educated side by side, untroubled by divisive prejudices, acquainted with all that is great and good in the different cultures, without ceasing to look to their own lands, they will become in mind Europeans, and work for a united and thriving Europe"

European Baccalaureate

The EB is an officially recognised entry qualification for higher education in all EU countries, as well as many others. European School students attend universities all over Europe and beyond. There are currently around 24,000 students in the system and approximately 1,500 take the EB each year. These numbers are growing annually as the system expands.

The EB is a demanding examination where students must study 10 or 11 subjects. Students are required to study their own language, at least one foreign language to a high level, history and geography in that foreign language, mathematics, at least one science subject, philosophy, physical education and religion/ethics. They must add elective courses to this, for example more sciences and languages, or the same subjects at a higher level. This means that, despite the large compulsory element in the EB, students are able to build up a programme which reflects their particular interests and strengths. The EB diploma is based on performance in the final year.

Assessment

The grading system for individual subjects uses a 0 to 10 scale with 6.0 as a pass mark. When a candidate is awarded the EB, the overall mark is expressed as a percentage and 60% is a pass.

There are three components that contribute to the overall mark:

Preliminary mark

50%

Written examinations

35%

Oral examinations

15%

Preliminary mark

Internal examinations constitute 60% of the preliminary mark. The remaining 40% is continuous assessment throughout the year.

Written examinations

Candidates will sit five written examinations:

Language 1 or advanced Language 1

Language 2 or advanced Language 2

Mathematics (5 periods) or Mathematics (3 periods)

Option (4 periods)

Option (4 periods)

These examinations are set by a panel of subject specialists. Marking is carried out by subject teachers and by external examiners. The two marks are averaged, with overall supervision by the subject inspector.